Drug and Alcohol Certificate

Our Mission

The goal of the Drug & Alcohol Studies Program is to prepare students to become counselors with strong competencies in drug and alcohol addiction, prevention and treatment. We focus on meeting the needs of diverse and low-income urban communities, using a harm reduction approach. We are committed to providing:

-Knowledge of the current trends of drug education, prevention and policy

-Skills to work with people and systems in clinical settings

-Skills to apply research and theory within diverse settings

Our vision statement: "Transform life experiences into the skills for successful work in the field. Guide students in their journey from passive learners to active participants. Nurture the growth of lifelong learners while embracing their diverse backgrounds and communities."

Who We Are

The Drug & Alcohol Studies Program is housed in the Health Education Department at the Ocean Campus of City College of San Francisco. An active Community Advisory Board of practitioners, program faculty and staff, graduates, and community members provides input on all aspects of the program.

Our faculty members are committed to working with students of all backgrounds to ensure success. We provide a variety of resources, including Student Success classes, Peer Care Management, and assistance for students who are returning to school after interrupted academic histories.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program students will be able to demonstrate the following:

Provide a historical and sociological perspective on the use, abuse, and social control of psychoactive drugs, such as the basic concepts of social, political, economic, and cultural systems and their impact on drug-taking activity.

Demonstrate the principles and practice of case management in addiction treatment including the processes of intake, screening, assessment, treatment planning, referral and documentation.

Demonstrate a working knowledge of professional and ethical code of behavior: informing clients of their confidentiality rights, mandated reporting requirements, dual relationships, Tarasoff, Transference, Counter Transference, and personal and professional boundaries.

Summarize the physiological processes and impacts of psychoactive drugs on clients, as well as the differences and similarities between and among physical and psychological dependency, tolerance, and withdrawal.

Differentiate and discuss the concepts and practices of harm reduction and cultural humility.

Compare and contrast the major concepts, definitions and features of co-occurring conditions associated with addiction.

Describe the relationships among trauma, substance use and abuse, HIV and mental health.

"The Drug & Alcohol Certificate program has provided me with a lot of opportunities for the field of substance abuse. The learning gained through the classes as well as the excellent instructors have been extremely powerful."